girl. by Band of Outsiders

share it

When designer Scott Sternberg launched his menswear line, Band of Outsiders (named after the 1964 Jean-Luc Godard film), in 2004, it wasn't just the guys who took notice of his cool, preppy-with-a-twist aesthetic. Girls also wanted in, and Sternberg answered their appeals with two womenswear offshoots--boy. by Band of Outsiders in 2007 and girl. by Band of Outsiders in 2011. Whereas the former focuses on structured, tailored pieces with a masculine-inspired aesthetic, the latter is a modern mash-up of girly, feminine, and flowy elements. Today, we're shining the spotlight on girl., a brand with a cult following that includes the likes of Rose Byrne, Scarlett Johansson, and Michelle Williams! For fall, Sternberg treaded the line between playful and downtown chic, as evidenced by pieces like a cropped vest in a ditsy floral print or a button-down blouse finished with a pioneer high collar and peplum. The collection draws inspiration from boy-meets-girl style (think Lauren Hutton's preppy aesthetic or Diane Keaton's crisp vests and shirts in Annie Hall) and it's perfect for wearing all season long. Want to see more must-haves from girl. by Band of Outsiders? Continue reading, and don't forget to check out our exclusive Q&A with Sternberg too!Floral Puffer Vest ($395)
A far cry from the brightly colored, sporty versions we spot on the slopes, Sternberg's sophisticated puffer vest is suitable for a cool city girl. Its cropped, shrunken shape and micro floral print offers the perfect mix of sporty and sweet.

Rose Intarsia Sweater ($315)
We love this flashcard version of a floral motif jumper. The snug silhouette ensures it's still a figure-flattering piece. Slip it on with worn-in skinny jeans and flats for off-duty nonchalance.

Flower Full Length Skirt ($330)
The dark background on this chiffon floral print skirt gives it a Wild West-meets-gothic-drama feel. Style it with a cropped leather jacket and boots that disappear under the hem.

Floral Ami Pants ($325)
These slouchy silk trousers can be worn with the puffer vest if you want to try your own take on the matching pantsuit, or they can fly solo with a sleeveless silk blouse and '90s-style creepers.

Pink Peplum Blouse ($245)
A long-sleeved blouse has a bit of a Victorian-slash-prairie feel with a ruffled collar and peplum. Balance out the structure with more casual pieces, like faded, distressed jeans and ankle boots.--Tiffany Tse

Q&A with Scott SternbergWhat inspired the start of your design career?
I worked in the entertainment industry for years and found it to be slow, boring, and somehow not concrete enough for me. I had a strong desire to make things for a living--objects, something physical--and fashion made the most sense based on how much I loved and understood clothing.

What was the inspiration behind this season's collection?
A trip to Mexico City and a few Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns.

spaghetti westerns
http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/currently-channeling-spaghetti-westerns/
How would you style specific pieces from this collection? Do you have a favorite piece in the collection?
My favorite piece is a bib dress that's cut in a feather print on silk crepe de chine.

What kind of girl do you envision wearing your clothing?
All types, really. We have two women's collections-boy. and girl.-that play on notions of androgyny and beauty which I think all women embrace in some way in their personal style.

How does your design process for a collection start?
With girl., it always starts with the prints.